Verizon FiOS on Xbox

US telco Verizon is to make a selection of live, FiOS TV channels available over the Xbox 360 Entertainment System. Through a collaboration between Verizon and Microsoft, customers who are Xbox LIVE Gold members and who subscribe to both FiOS TV and Internet service will be able to view select live channels through their Xbox consoles. No extra hardware is required. Customers will be also be able to integrate their TV experience with voice and gesture commands through Kinect for Xbox 360.

“Joining forces with Microsoft and Xbox, we are breaking the boundaries between TV and gaming, and furthering the borderless lifestyle Verizon customers enjoy with our new offers and services,” said Eric Bruno, vice president of consumer and mass business product management for Verizon. “We are putting the controls in our customers’ hands, and giving them the ability to watch TV on another dynamic device that they can control with voice and gesture commands.” He confirmed that whether it was for Xbox, mobile device, PC or traditional television, Verizon would continue to deliver the programming consumers want, where, where and how they want it.

FiOS TV customers will have access to an app on their Xbox consoles, which will become available for download in December. Once customers download the Verizon FiOS TV app on their console, they can begin watching live streaming FiOS TV channels – without the need to pay for another set-top box. Customers must subscribe to both FiOS TV and Internet services. Initially, 26 FiOS TV channels will be available, depending on the customer’s TV package. Customers who order FiOS TV and Internet service will receive the Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary game and Xbox LIVE Gold Membership token within 30 days.